Started in 1964, the National Letter of Intent (NLI) is the document used to specify a student-athlete’s commitment to a participating NCAA college or university. Prospects can sign during their senior year in high school. There are two periods in which they can sign the document. The “early period” lasts one week in the fall (this past year it was November 13-20, 2013). The regular period (April 16- May 21, 2014) is longer but most prospects sign during the first few weeks it is available.
I’m of the opinion the NLI is outdated. I believe we should allow student-athletes to sign a NLI at any time, after they complete their sophomore year in high school. No more “committing”, just sign the NLI. Here is my rationale.
During the past five years more than 70% of all Division I men’s basketball players signed during the early signing period. Further, most had committed to their school of choice well before that time (even at the mid-major level). There are kids committing to schools as freshman and sophomores.
We must keep in mind that committing to a school is a huge decision for a young person and should not be taken lightly. Regardless if you’re an athlete, your school of choice can dictate many things about your future. Allowing student-athletes to sign a binding letter of intent would teach them about values, making tough decisions, and most importantly, keeping their word. Once they sign, they would be “locked” to that school, thus allowing the coaching staff and prospect to better prepare and align for their arrival on campus.
In many cases, coaches spend MORE time and resources “protecting” a committed student-athlete than recruiting the student-athlete. Everyone would benefit if a prospect could sign a binding agreement once they had all the information they needed to make a mature decision.
The only issue would be if a head coach left prior to enrollment of the student-athlete. I say let the new staff have the opportunity to visit with the signed prospect one time. If, after the meeting, the recruit wants out of his NLI, then so be it.
Let’s teach young people about keeping their word and keep coaches from attempting to “confuse” prospects when they’re committed, but unsigned.
